Should I restore 68 C20?

[ToyotaGuy]

I gotta line on a 90% rust free (rocker panels) 68 C20.
I have zero experience so I would have to pay someone.

I love old trucks.

No idea what I am getting myself into.

Any advice would be great.

I included a pic of a restored 68 C20.

I'm thinking 485 HP automatic in the floor.
I just don't have the knowledge to transfer that into reasonable dollars.
I know there is some way you guys weigh cost vs HP.
I aint gonna ride and have some kid punk me in a Taurus SHO.

Any advice is appreciated.
Opinions are welcomed.
Thanks in advance fellas.

Clueless in Clermont FL.

[ToyotaGuy]

The pics is of C/10 but they look identical.

I thought about it and realize many of you weigh HP cost by how much you can spend without raising your wives eyebrows.

[geezer#99]

In your situation you should just fork over the cash and buy one already built.
When you start adding in labor costs the price skyrockets.
A good paint job is 10-15 grand, drivetrain (motor, tranny, rearend) another easy 10 grand. Add another 5 grand for the little things and you're pushing 30 big ones. Prices vary place to place. Your labor costs are likely lower down there.
I had a buddy up here with the same problem. He couldn't justify spending 25 grand for a complete truck so he started with a 10 grand one. He's now into it for over 30 grand and still not done.
If comfort of ride is important then get a light duty c10. Any truck rated higher (like a c20 ) is heavier built in the suspension.
If resale is important then get a shortbox.
You live in a good area where rustfree trucks are in abundance.
Happy shopping!!

[FRCvette]

I agree with geezer. I just bought a short stepper for the cost of a quality paint job. Has a very nice driver paint job on it and is a running driver with PS, PB and very nice interior. There are a few things I want to do it like lowering, radio, and AC. I should be into this truck for under 20 grand compared to frame off build at 30-40 thousand or more. Buy the best truck you can afford and go from there.
I just completed a frame up build on a 48 Ford pick-up with doing all work myself I was into it for 35 thousand.

[weq92f]

^^^^^^ that's about right.

Every time I put pen to pad and jot down what it would take to build one of these trucks, it looks something like this...

7000 -- rust free truck
10000 -- engine/transmission
2000 -- interior
1000 -- gauges
1000 -- beefy sway bars front and rear
800 -- lowering suspension parts
2000 -- single drive belt system
3500 -- wheels/tires
15000 -- body work and paint

It adds up real fast.

-klb

[LongBox]

For many vehicles, the cost of restoration exceeds the market value of the finished product. The posts up above show exactly why restoration costs so much. Therefore, either buy one that doesn't need restoration (a survivor comes to mind), or get one that someone else did properly, and now must sell.

These old trucks are kinda fun to drive just the way they are. Not great handling, nor are they fast when stock, but it's a different kind of fun. You know, elbow out the window,, bumpin' down a country road, listening to the exhaust and the rattles. Grows on you.